This summer I travelled to Kenya with family for six weeks - which has been the longest I've been to Kenya in my life for any one time. Going home, as I do consider Kenya to be home, is always warming - feeling a part of something bigger than yourself. Saying that, the thing that comes with that is culture shock - which runs pretty deep after hearing things like 'have you ever been sent home because your parents haven't paid your school fees?' isn't the norm in the UK and other western nations. I feel like most young Africans in the diaspora can relate in that our parents and family almost feel the need to constantly bring up the hardships of living in what is seen as third world standard. Understandably, my cousin assumed we too pay for our school fees and go to boarding schools - yet here to go to a boarding school is a sign of greater privilege and assumed intelligence.





Whilst there, I saw kids under the age of 10 building or assisting in manual labour jobs that I don't see myself doing in the foreseeable future - let me not lie to myself. I saw what my life could have been and that's not to say it wouldn't have been great, knowing the freedom Africa allows for and the experiences I know are only available there too. But I saw the differences in personal development, skill set and also what it means to have actual responsibility. My great grandmother passed just before we arrived in Kenya - she lived near the border of Kenya and Tanzania with Mt Kilimanjaro at her doorstep. Whilst we were there to lay her to rest we went for a family 'hike' - to us it was a literal hike for professionals - to where the water for the locals is. If I could describe what it was like I would personally class it as a beautifully enclosed deep necessity. Duke of Edinburgh does not equip you for the type of raw treks that some people take on a day to day. I learnt about persistence and the art of climbing rocks upon rocks.

Throughout my time there, among family and generations who had more to share about my heritage than I could ever learn from a textbook or Google - the one key element I learnt is that we are all fortunate in different aspects. From a western perspective to have a certain level of wealth immediately means that you are fortunate, yet from what I saw wealth doesn't mean everything if anything at all. The sense of community in regions of Kenya and arguably the Kenyan people allows for self reliance to not be at the top of your agenda instead unity and love for your neighbour prevails. In that instance, what's key to the growth of us as a people is to realise that in the end is it more important to be known for your wealth or the love you were able to give and lives you were able to influence without the use of any type of currency?

The beauty of Africa which western media chooses to destroy is the beauty of its people - who are what community is and should be represented as such. Currently on twitter I've noticed a couple of humour posts 'Kenya and Nigeria' - of which some I have seen as a step too far if I'm completely honest as I know at some point it may get twisted out of proportion by someone. But outside of that, there are countless times western African culture has fused with East African culture revealing our similarities - which makes sense since the bantu people dispersed from the West African region.




From this all I've learnt an important life lesson - to see the beauty of differences. Our differences. My differences.

You know what I've realised recently? Being Kenyan entails more than being a long distance runner or jumper like the Masai as portrayed in Western media - at the route of it all is a sharing of a beauty and essence like no other nation in Africa. Today's post is literally me obsessing with how much I love my country and how I aim to carry it with me in everything I do. Recently, I was with some of my other Kenyan friends meeting up to catch up - laughing and enjoying each others company. It was in those moments we all realised the humour and overall character of Kenyans compares to no other. My Mum is one of five sisters and I've grown up knowing the amount of noise that can come out of our people - to others it sounds hectic and I know that now reflecting on inter racial marriages into the family, it can be quite intimidating. But I mention the noise because it's the one thing that feels like home and safety - even at times of sadness it seems that we are able to turn everything into a joyous occasion. Have you ever heard a Kenyan laugh? If you have you know why I've mentioned it - that in itself is enough to make you laugh too - our laughter carries and most times I laugh at my aunties laughing. We are a happy people.

As a Black British female of Kenyan origin, I've seen the turmoil of tribalism in the UK and the negative cultural norms being carried from Kenya into the diaspora. Quite bluntly, divide is no longer according to the tribes of your parents but instead a divide based on social class or grouping within the Kenyan community on a national scale. What's unsettling to me is that it appears that tribalism has mutated into a hierarchical system operating from within - almost symmetrical to a patriarchal system. Don't get me wrong - I'm so proud of how far we've come but sometimes it appears we're making progress then ultimately take a step backwards. We celebrate the accomplishments and forthcoming greatness of younger Kenyans - yet it appears the foundation for us to take on the baton from our parents who started the journey has been built lopsided.

The Kenyan people are charismatic and most importantly loving - joining together in the spirit of 'Harambee' to support their own, the word itself directly translates to mean 'pull together'. If that's not what being Kenyan is I don't know what is. The heart of the people is pure but changes are being made from the roots up - getting rid of division and corruption that the country is known for. I strongly believe that a new generation of Kenyans will have the ability to 'pull together' to rebuild the image and sense of community I believe is at our core. I feel it coming, do you?

It's really been a minute hasn't it. I'm really not gonna try and front but exams really took it out of me causing me to put them above everything and anything else I was doing outside of them - if anything I'm glad I did but I'm here in full force ready to create new content. Today's post:

Quite blatantly, I got a tattoo. It's crazy to actually write about it almost 3 months post because it has honestly become a part of me and I don't think about it being on me anymore to be honest. Don't get me wrong - the permanence is such a huge thing to take into consideration that it wasn't a decision I took lightly. As a Christian girl, the concept of tattoo's is seen as a taboo topic similar to that of what we should and shouldn't eat based on scripture in Leviticus 19:28 which states that "you shall not make cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves" - which is what I constantly found myself referring to. I won't go into it but the context of it goes back to God trying to protect His people from pagan practices - of which were surrounded by idolisation etc. From my own understanding and thoroughly asking for God to reveal to me if this was the right move for me - I saw that this move was and is right for me, I took time to meditate on scripture and depict it piece by piece and reference other scriptures and talk to people for advice. I know it sounds a little excessive but you're the most expensive thing you own - to mark your body is to make a full commitment.

For me I came to the conclusion that it doesn't matter how I choose to 'decorate' my exterior but instead what matters is how I choose to devote my interior to God - you know? If you're even considering getting a tattoo ask yourself why you're getting one, check your heart and also reflect on if this is really a reflection of what you want people to see of you. Personally, it appears that no man is more righteous than the other based on their choice of not having tattoos or having them but only through the redemption of Jesus - by grace alone.

If you're not religious then cool - but I still believe the same kind of principle applies and I know there is something you can take away from all this. In terms of pain - sis I've had aunties doing my hair hurt me more than the needles. Honestly, it really didn't hurt but then again it was quite a nice first spot. No, I'm not planning on getting a sleeve but I am considering others but that's not gonna be for a while.

In terms of aftercare my artist suggested a cream from the shop or coconut oil and a fragrance free soap - I personally opted for the natural approach and it pretty much healed completely in about 10 days. This is it in it's worst state during the healing process, I really expected worse - completely raw image no retouching:




I know it's something I'll love and honestly not one I can or will regret - for reference it's the verse John 1:16 - "indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness".

As all women do, I'm currently in a phase of trying to make myself healthier and embrace a positive mindset. But - I'm praying that this is not just a phase but soon becomes a lifestyle as exam season creeps upon us I know the feelings that tend to be attached to it and I really refuse any part of it. My friends laugh when they hear me adding a new thing to my daily routine or a new found favourite of mine - purely because I will go to any length possible to ensure I'm at my best 365 days a year especially when it comes to dealing with school and associated 'stress'.

'Stress' as a word is one I absolutely hate and avoid at all costs based on my belief that whatever you speak out is what you become - for example if I constantly say I feel sick or something gives me a headache I become it. Many people are starting to discover this after reading 'The Secret' and the idea of 'law of attraction' - that's not really what I'm on about but if that makes more sense then you get the gist. Whether you're at school, work or university there comes a time where you do become overwhelmed and truly feel the effects of fatigue. Over working yourself is definitely one of the things I do to myself, resulting in cold like symptoms and overall angry moody Tiffany. Which if you know me personally, isn't the best version of me. So, is there really a way to tackle fatigue? Sleep, duh and a little bit of coffee 4x a day? Come on sis, do better.

I received the Vitamin B-Complex supplements from the lovely people at Incite Nutrition (click here) which:

• helps maintain normal mental performance i.e. keep your brain at its best 
• reduce tiredness and fatigue

Being proud of our uniqueness is one thing, surely we should continue this educating to others and be understanding when people don't get it. Maybe hair is hair? Art is Art?

That's my two pence. 

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New year, who dis? I don't know what your new year resolutions are but I've heard a lot of people saying they are going to try expanding their style - try new things. Well, I've teamed up with the lovely people over at YOINS. www.yoins.com  (click link to go to site) to give you some inspiration of where to shop and the huge range they have to offer. From their latest sexy dresses for women section on the site to the stylish tops sale - yes sis a sale. I. Got. You. I'll be picking my top 3 from the sections to give you a little taste of what Yoins has to offer, let me tell you - they didn't fail to surprise me one bit.

LATEST SEXY DRESSES FOR WOMEN SECTION: (click to launch)

The range of dresses over at YOINS is insane - the categories help in choosing the kind of vibe you're going for from casual, sexy to party dresses they got you. Click the dress names to launch the latest sexy dresses for women - in time for V Day:




Stylish Tops Online Sale: (click to launch)

In London the weather always hinders what you can and can't wear - so when it comes to going out we always turn to jeans and a 'nice' top. YOINS literally has an abundance of stylish tops for nights out or even lounge wear type tees. Click the caption to launch their stylish tops online sale:

Congratulations, you've made it to this new year - can I just say that I have such a positive feeling about this year and I pray that you too will carry positive vibes all this year. I love feeling motivated in the month of January as I feel like it's the month where the best habits can be established and carried into the rest of the year. This post isn't a long one, instead I want to start sharing music with you guys as I truly am a believer that music changes your mood and vibe - so I've created a boss 2018 playlist to get you through.

Good vibes only and remember that you're more capable than you know. This year at TSLondonn, I believe growth is coming and the plans towards it are fruitful. Here it is and happy new year: